I am seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to join the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, starting EITHER fall 2016 (August) or spring 2017 (January). This student will join an existing research team working with Dr. Holly Ober to conduct research on the enigmatic Florida bonneted bat, Eumops floridanus. This endangered species is endemic to south Florida, believed to have the most limited geographic distribution of any bat in the U.S., and virtually nothing is currently known about its foraging ecology. The student will examine foraging habitat use of bonneted bats, and characterize diet using molecular techniques. The candidate must have an avid interest in genetic laboratory methods, and must be willing to work unusual hours in the field as the biology of the species demands.
Applicants must have a B.S. in wildlife, ecology, natural resource conservation, environmental studies, or a related field; strong quantitative skills and demonstrated writing ability; and competitive GPA and GRE scores. Applicants should be willing to work independently and as part of a team. Preferred applicants will be highly motivated, have experience using molecular techniques, experience with GIS, field experience handling bats and extracting them from mist nets, strong quantitative skills, and competitive GPA/GRE scores. If interested, send (1) a cover letter briefly describing your research interests, career goals, an explanation of why you would like to pursue a graduate degree, and your preferred start date (Aug 2016 or Jan 2017); (2) your CV; (3) unofficial copies of GRE scores and academic transcripts; and (4) a list of the name, phone number and email address of 3 references. There is no need to pursue the official application process through the university until candidate selection is complete. Benefits include full coverage of tuition, stipend, health insurance, and field expenses for two years from the date of hire. The start date will be either August 2016 or January 2017. Review of applications will begin immediately. For more information, contact Dr. Holly Ober, holly.o...@ufl.edu<mailto:holly.o...@ufl.edu>.
